Loading dock seal with flow through vent

ABSTRACT

A loading dock seal has one or more recesses formed within the loading dock seal. Mesh segments are utilized to screen the recesses to reduce rain, snow, rodents, insects and debris from passing through the recess passageway to the loading dock. A further mesh segment cover can be utilized to selectively cover one or more of the mesh segments.

CONTINUATION DATA

[0001] This application hereby claims the benefit under Title 35, UnitedStates Codes § 119(e) of any U.S. application Ser. No. 60/382,815 filedMay 23, 2002, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a loading docking seal havingpassageways formed therethrough to selectively allow air to flow throughthe passageways.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] A loading dock seal is attached around a loading dock doorway. Avehicle backs up until the rear of the vehicle is in contact with theloading dock seal. Once the rear of the vehicle is in contact oradjacent with the loading dock seal, workers transfer goods between thevehicle and the loading dock. The loading dock seal is utilized toprotect the workers from the rain, snow, wind and cold during theloading and unloading process.

[0006] The loading dock seal can keep heat from escaping from theloading dock during the loading and unloading process. This heatinsulating effect of loading dock seals can prove problematic in thatthe temperature can become very hot within the loading area because thehot air cannot escape from the loading dock, and cool air cannot flowthereinto during the loading and unloading process. This heat can bevery uncomfortable for the workers loading and unloading the goods.

[0007] Another problem occurs if an opening or gap is intentionally leftbetween the rear of the parked vehicle and the loading dock to allowcool air to enter into the loading area. By leaving a gap between therear of the vehicle and the loading dock, rodents, insects, rain, snowand debris may enter into the loading area.

[0008] Another problem with loading dock seals is that rails, rollers orhinges are typically used in their construction. If the vehicle backsinto the loading dock seal unevenly, at too high of a speed, or withoutbraking, the rails, rollers and hinges can become damaged and requirereplacement. This increases the maintenance costs for the loading dockseal.

[0009] Furthermore, some materials that could be utilized, for examplefoam rubber, to construct the loading dock seal may be very quicklydamaged and destroyed by the ultraviolet rays from the sun.

[0010] These problems are solved by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention, in one form thereof, is a loading dockseal for sealing between a loading dock and a vehicle. The loading dockseal has a base connected to the loading dock. One or more supportmembers are connected to the base in a spaced apart relationship formingone or more passages or recesses therebetween to permit ambient air topass to and from the sealed loading dock area. A mesh segment isdisposed adjacent to a recess allowing air to travel through the recesswhile keeping rodents, insects, rain, snow and debris from entering andtraversing through the recess.

[0012] The present invention, in another form thereof, is a loading dockseal for sealing between a loading dock and a vehicle. The loading dockseal has a base connected to the loading dock. One or more supportmembers are connected to the base in a spaced apart relationship formingone or more passages or recesses therebetween to permit ambient air topass to and from the sealed loading dock area. A seal cover is locatedabout the base and support members. The seal cover includes a meshsegment disposed adjacent a recess, thereby allowing air to travelthrough the recess while keeping rodents, insects, rain, snow and debrisfrom entering and traversing through the recess.

[0013] The present invention, in yet another form thereof, is a loadingdock seal for sealing between a loading dock and a vehicle. The loadingdock seal has a base and a top connected to the loading dock. Aplurality of foam blocks are connected in a spaced apart relationship tothe base. A strip of foam is connected to the plurality of foam blockscreating at least one passageway (or recess) between the strip of foamand the base. The passageway traverses from an area within the loadingdock seal to an area outside the loading dock seal, thereby permittingfresh air flow from into the loading dock area from the ambient outsideatmosphere. A seal cover is located about the base, a plurality of foamblocks and the strip of foam. The cover has a mesh segment that screensthe passageway allowing air to travel therethrough while keeping and/orreducing rodents, insects, rain, snow and debris from entering throughthe loading dock passageway. A mesh segment cover or flap, which isconnectable to the cover or mesh segment for partially or completelysealing the mesh segment, may be utilized.

[0014] The present invention, in yet another form thereof, is a loadingdock seal for sealing a loading dock and a vehicle. The loading dockseal has a resilient sealing member for attachment about the loadingdock. The sealing member has a screened passageway to permit screenedair to pass therethrough.

[0015] An advantage of the present invention is that, by formingpassageways into the loading dock seal and by at least one of thepassages having a mesh segment adjacent to or through the passage, themesh segment is able to allow air to flow through the passage andtherethrough the loading dock seal to make the loading area a morecomfortable environment. The mesh segment also prevents/eliminatesrodents, insects, rain, snow and debris from passing through the passageand to the loading dock area.

[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is that, by using amesh segment cover to cover at least a portion of a mesh segment, airflow through the passages in the loading dock seal can be controlled.Also, the mesh segment cover can completely cover or seal a mesh segmentto keep cold weather elements (e.g., cold air, snow) from entering theloading area through the passage.

[0017] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that rails,rollers or hinges are not used or needed in the construction of theloading dock seal and, therefore, reduced maintenance and constructioncosts are possible.

[0018] Still another advantage of the present invention is that, bycoating the loading dock seal with a material to protect the loadingdock seal from solar ultraviolet rays, ultraviolet damage to the loadingdock seal can be minimized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of thisinvention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand the invention will be better understood by reference to thefollowing description of an embodiment of the invention taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020]FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of the loading dock seal without aseal cover or mesh segment, in one form of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the loading dock seal having aseal cover, mesh segments and a mesh segment cover, in one form of thepresent invention;

[0022]FIG. 3 is an exaggerated perspective view of the loading dockseal, in one form of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the loading dock seal having aseal cover about the base, support members, support strip and recesses,in one form of the present invention; and

[0024]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the loading dock seal having aseal cover located about the base, support members and a support strip,in one form of the present invention.

[0025] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplification set out hereinillustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, andsuch exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, thereis shown one side of the loading dock seal 10 of the present invention.Loading dock seal 10 has a base 12. Base 12 is constructed from wood,but other materials such as plastic or metal can be utilized therefor.Base 12 is approximately 2″×12″×8′ but other sizes thereof can beutilized as well. Base 12 is connected to a loading dock (not shown)utilizing bolts, fasteners, screws or any other type of connectingdevice (not shown).

[0027] One or more support members 16 are connected to base 12. Supportmembers 16 are compressible pads made of a foam, rubber, or otherelastomeric/resilient material. Support members 16 are connected to base12 in preferably an evenly spaced apart relationship utilizing glue,bolts, screws, fasteners or other connecting devices. The presentinvention is not limited to support members 16 being spaced evenly apartbut can be spaced at variable distances as well. Also, a single supportmember 16 can instead be utilized.

[0028] A support strip 26 is glued or connected by some other fastenerto support members 16. Support strip 26 is advantageously formed of asingle strip of material but can be composed of multiple strips ofmaterial as well. Support strip 26 is preferably formed from a foam,rubber, or other elastomeric material. Support strip 26 is connected toeach and every support member 16, in one form of the present invention,but can be connected to one or a plurality of support members 16 inanother form thereof.

[0029] Between some or all of the adjacent support members 16, a recess14 (also described in this application as a pathway, passage orpassageway) is formed. In another form of the present invention, recess14 is an opening between base 12, support members 16 and support strip26. Recess 14 allows ambient air to flow through loading dock seal 10 tothe loading dock. Alternatively, base 12, support members 16, andsupport strip 26 could together be of a unitary construction (notshown), with at least one recess 14 formed therethrough.

[0030] Support members 16 and support strip 26 are coated with apolyurethane elastomeric coating to protect support members 16 andsupport strip 26 from being damaged by the ultraviolet rays emitted fromthe sun. The polyurethane elastomeric coating can be sprayed or brushedonto support members 16 and support strip 26. The use of a polyurethaneelastomeric coating is not meant to be limiting, and other types ofcoatings that can be applied to the elastomeric material to protect theelastomeric material from the solar ultraviolet rays can be utilized.

[0031] A seal cover 18, as shown in FIG. 2, in another form of theinvention, is located about base 12, recess 14, support members 16 andsupport strip 26. Seal cover 18 is shown as being located about base 12,recess 14, support member 16 and support strip 26 in FIG. 4 of thedrawings. Also, a cross-sectional view of seal cover 18 located aboutbase 12, support member 16 and support strip 26 is shown in FIG. 5. Sealcover 18 is made from a material, such as vinyl, to protect seal cover18, base 12, support member 16 and support strip 26 from damage causedby the sun, weather or a vehicle impacting seal cover 18.

[0032] Seal cover 18 may include (either attached or integrally formingtherewith) a mesh segment 20 adjacent to recess 14. Mesh segment 20 canbe adjacent to a single recess 14, all of the recesses 14 or any numberof recesses 14 therebetween. Mesh segment 20 can be located on theinterior surface 30 of loading dock seal 10, the exterior surface 32 ofloading dock seal 10 or both interior surface 30 and exterior surface 32of loading dock seal 10. Mesh segment 20 is utilized to allow air toflow through loading dock seal 10 while preventing rodents, insects,rain, snow and/or debris from entering through loading dock seal 10. Thepresent invention is not limited to a mesh segment 20, and any segmentthat can allow air to flow through loading dock seal 10 while preventingrodents, insects, rain, snow and debris out of the loading dock can beutilized as well. An example of mesh segment 20 could be a metal orplastic screen.

[0033] A mesh segment cover 22 is utilized to partially or completelyseal/cover mesh segment 20 or recess 14. Mesh segment cover 22 can belocated on interior surface 30 of loading dock seal 10, exterior surface32 of loading dock seal 10 or both interior surface 30 and exteriorsurface 32 of loading dock seal 10. Mesh segment cover 22 is made from amaterial, such as vinyl.

[0034] Seal cover 18 has hook and loop fasteners 24 located adjacent tosupport strip 26 and base 12. Mesh segment cover 22 likewise utilizeshook and loop fasteners to facilitate connection thereof to hook andloop fasteners 24 on seal cover 18.

[0035] Mesh segment cover 22 is rolled up as shown in FIG. 2 to allowair to flow through each mesh segment 20. Mesh segment cover 22 isunrolled to partially or completely cover each of the recesses 14 asshown in FIG. 3. An example would be if loading dock seal 10 had threerecesses 14 and the loading dock workers wanted to cover two of recesses14, the workers would unroll mesh segment cover 22 to cover two ofrecesses 14 and apply the hook and loop fasteners from mesh segmentcover 22 to hook and loop fasteners 24 on seal cover 18. Mesh segmentcover 22 would stay in the position to which it was attached to sealcover 18 until the loading dock workers desired to cover or uncover moreof recesses 14.

[0036] Loading dock seal 10 can also have a seal top 28, as shown inFIG. 3. Seal top 28 is formed from an elastomeric material, such asfoam. Seal top 28 is then covered with a material, such as vinyl toprotect seal top 28 from rain and snow. Seal top 28 can include recessessuch as those formed in the sides of loading dock seal 10.

[0037] In another form of the present invention, mesh segment cover 22will be a single piece of material covering each of mesh segments 20.Mesh segment cover 22 has a zipper located in the center of the entirelength of the single piece of material covering each of mesh segments20. The zipper can be zipped completely to the top of loading dock seal10 to allow no air to flow through recesses 14. As the zipper isunzipped towards the bottom of loading dock seal 10, more air is able toflow through recesses 14.

[0038] In operation, loading dock seal 10 is attached to a loading dock.A vehicle backs up until the frame of the rear door of the vehicle comesinto contact with loading dock seal 10. The elastomeric materialutilized to create loading dock seal 10 provides for a cushion so thatthe loading dock is not damaged by the vehicle coming into contact withloading dock seal 10. Also, the elastomeric material substantiallycreates a seal around the rear of the vehicle once the vehicle comesinto engagement with loading dock seal 10. The loading dock workers canthen use mesh segment cover 22 to cover one or more of mesh segments 20located in loading dock seal 10 if it is a cold day to keep cold airfrom entering through a mesh segment 20 and recess 14 combination. If itis a hot day, the loading dock workers will not use mesh segment cover22 but instead will roll them up or move them out of the way to allowair to flow through mesh segment 20 and recess 14. Based on theconditions, for example temperature or wind in the loading area, anynumber of mesh segments 20 can be covered using mesh segment cover 22.

[0039] While this invention has been described as having a preferreddesign, the present invention can be further modified within the spiritand scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended tocover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using itsgeneral principles. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A loading dock seal for providing a sealingrelationship between a loading dock and a vehicle, the loading dock sealcomprising: a base connected to the loading dock; a plurality of supportmembers connected to said base in a spaced apart relationship, eachmember pair of adjacent support members defining a recess therebetween;and a mesh segment disposed adjacent at least one said recess andmounted against at least one of said base and one said support member,said mesh segment configured for screening air traveling therethrough.2. The loading dock seal in claim 1, wherein at least one said supportmember is made from an elastomeric material.
 3. The loading dock seal inclaim 1, further comprising a mesh segment cover for at least one ofpartially and completely covering said mesh segment.
 4. The loading dockseal in claim 1, further comprising a seal cover located about said baseand said plurality of support members, said seal cover being made of anelastomeric material.
 5. A loading dock seal for providing a sealingrelationship between a loading dock and a vehicle, the loading dock sealcomprising: a base connected to the loading dock; a plurality of supportmembers connected to said base in a spaced apart relationship, eachmember pair of adjacent support members defining a recess therebetween;and a seal cover located about said base and said plurality of supportmembers, said seal cover having a mesh segment disposed adjacent atleast one said recess allowing air to travel through said recess.
 6. Theloading dock seal in claim 5, further comprising a mesh segment coverfor at least one of partially and completely covering said mesh segment.7. The loading dock seal in claim 5, wherein at least one said supportmember are made from an elastomeric material.
 8. The loading dock sealin claim 5, wherein said seal cover is made from an elastomericmaterial.
 9. A loading dock seal for sealing between a loading dock anda vehicle, the loading dock seal comprising: a base and a top connectedto the loading dock; a plurality of foam blocks connected in a spacedapart relationship to said base; a strip of foam connected to saidplurality of foam blocks, said strip of foam, said plurality of foamblocks, and said base together defining a plurality of passagesextending between said strip of foam and said base; a seal cover locatedabout said base, said plurality of foam blocks and said strip of foam,said cover having a mesh segment, said mesh segment screening saidplurality of passages in a manner allowing air to travel therethrough;and a mesh segment cover for at least one of partially and completelycovering said mesh segment.
 10. A loading dock seal for sealing aloading dock and a vehicle, the loading dock seal comprising: aresilient sealing member for attachment about the loading dock, saidsealing member having a screened passageway to permit screened air topass therethrough.
 11. The loading dock seal in claim 10, furthercomprising a means for sealing said passageway.
 12. A loading dock sealfor sealing between a loading dock and a vehicle, the loading dock sealcomprising: a primary seal structure, said primary seal structure beingone of an assembly and a unitary construction, said primary sealstructure having an inside seal face and an outside seal face, saidinside seal face for facing the loading dock, said outside seal face forfacing the vehicle, said primary seal structure having a through recesstherein, said through recess extending through said primary sealstructure from said outside seal face to said inside seal face; and amesh segment disposed against said primary seal structure and extendingacross said through recess, said mesh segment thereby covering saidthrough recess.
 13. The loading dock seal of claim 12, wherein said meshsegment is mounted to at least one of said outside seal face and saidinside seal face.
 14. The loading dock seal of claim 12, wherein saidthrough recess is one of a plurality of through recesses, said meshsegment being one of at least one mesh segment, each said through recessbeing covered by at least one said mesh segment.